Haven't we risen above this?

I recently was lucky enough to stay at the world's largest hotel - Las Vages' MGM Grand. The rooms were ultra-modern and in addition to stylish lounges, showers large enough to lie down in and duck-down filled pillows, the hotel had enough shops, restaurants and gaming to keep you occupied for a week.

On exploring the hotel I stumbled upon lion enclosure. That's right - fully grown lions kept indoors behind glass, and gawked at by the many visitors which pass through the enclosure each day. Two lions were slumped atop of a glass ceiling while patrons walked beneath. Were the lions sedated and placed into position for our benefit? They sure had trouble keeping their eyes open and it was strange that they were always asleep, and even stranger that they were always asleep in the same convenient position - on top of the glass. The keepers sat with the lions in the enclosure and watched them sleep. They wore less than delighted expressions on their faces - and were probably the only ones more unhappy with this arrangement than the lions.

MGM states on its website that the lions are a tribute to 'Leo' - the lion seen roaring at the beginning of most films, and defended the lions' quality of life by stating that lions kept in captivity live twice as long as those in the wild. They also say the lions live off site, on an 8.5 acre ranch and are cared for by an experienced trainer. I did notice on two consecutive days there were different lions in the indoor enclosure - they must be on a roster. But still, the lions rostered on are spending from 11am til 7pm in a glass box, without grass, without shelter from the bright lights, and with clearly nothing to do but sleep. And how are they caught and transported from the ranch to the enclosure each day? Do they just come to their name when called - like a dog? I dont think so. And surely they dont enjoy being regularly uprooted from their daily activities and driven the 12 miles to the casino.

I was appalled and disgusted, and felt ashamed as a human that we are still caging wild animals for our own entertainment.

If you ask me, the MGM is grand enough - it doesn't need live props to attract visitors. And what message are they sending to the younger generation? That this kind of practice is OK?